Post navigation

Black Duck Creek Adventure

We’ve explored the spectacular Black Duck Creek valley several times. On this ANZAC Day holiday, we thought we’d invite a few more friends to explore it with us. So I was delighted when 46 eager Mountain Bikers turned up. (Photo: Tony Ryan)

We met at a picnic ground at Junction View, south of Gatton.

It’s called “Junction View” because the area is at the junction of two long, narrow valleys: East Haldon Valley and Black Duck Creek Valley.

Today we took the “road less travelled” and followed Black Duck Creek as far as we could in a day.

But first we took a short detour up Chalk Mine Road to a special place…

Towards the top of the hill, near the Chalk Mine, there’s a rocky ledge by the side of the road…

It contains some rare Aboriginal Rock Art carved into the soft chalky walls.

There were carvings of animal footprints, trees, hills, rivers… this seemed to be a very old “map” which showed travellers where to find water and food.

There are numerous paths through these mountains. Aborigines used these pathways to cover large distances.

I was happy that today’s tyre-prints up the valley were probably following anicent footprints made thousands of years ago.

(Photo: Tony Ryan)

As we rolled back down this ancient hill, our minds were pulled back to the present by the deep throb of helicopters as they glided overhead.

It looked like these Blackhawks over Black Duck Creek were returning to Amberley Airbase after an early morning service at Warwick. We were just lucky enough to be in the middle.

The causeways were covered with a thin film of water. This made them dangerously slippery. A couple of riders fell and skidded across the road. Everyone else took it very slowly as they tried to make it over the slimy surface without falling over.

(Photo: Tony Ryan)

Cheerful signs and odd looking metal ducks on letterboxes reminded us of where we were headed, as we made our way up the valley.

There was no rush today. We enjoyed an easy climb for about 20 kilometres up the valley, soaking up the landscape.

We had to open several gates as the road passed through a number of different properties. I think one or two farmers were surprised to see so many people on bikes riding through their properties.

As we rode further up the valley the hills grew steeper and closed in on either side of the road…

… and the road devolved into a dusty farm track – perfect for mountain bike tyres.

We neared the top of the valley as we splashed over the last couple of rocky creek crossings.

An old Slab Hut marked the start of Glen Rock National Park. While some of us stopped here for a break, the rest of us pressed on a little further so that we could catch some views from a lookout on the top of the range.

The track grew steep.

It grew even steeper, and most of us started walking.

Surely it wouldn’t get steeper than this?

It did.

But, as with most climbs, the summit was worth it. We were rewarded with great views back down the valley.

A few of us did the obligatory “Bike over the head” pose.

“Come on! Take the photo! I can’t hold this bike over my head for much longer!”

Everyone made sure they had photographic proof they’d made it to the top 🙂

(Photo: Tony Ryan) The leisurely ride down the valley was more spread out as we rolled back down the gentle descent.

We all rode back at our own pace, chatting as we enjoyed the long coast down the hill.

As usually happens, fortune had favoured us with a glorious clear day. We soaked it up.

Tony showed off a new-fangled paper GPS that didn’t require batteries 🙂 What will they think of next?

Our return leg was much quicker than the original climb up.

(Photo: Tony Ryan) Because of the remote location, we decided to have a barbecue afterwards rather than trying to find a cafe.

Some of us just sat on the grass and enjoyed relaxing together.

Some contemplated future adventures. (Some riders were camping that night, and riding further).

Others admired the great looking “Fat Bikes” that seem to be able to go anywhere.

Thanks Ron Are you interested in driving the 4WD as a support vehicle for one of the rides? That way you could be part of the team even if you’re not on a bike. If you don’t have a 4WD we can find one for you 🙂 Neil

This is a wonderful story of a great adventure. We own one of the properties you went past ( the slippery crossing) and have only been there once on a visit from Los Angeles where we live. It’s so beautiful and can’t wait to relocate. Thank you for sharing the ride.

G’day Greg Thanks for your kind words. Black Duck Creek is amazing. After re-reading this post from a few years ago, I think it’s time we returned. Do you have a bike? If so, after you relocate you’d be welcome to join us. This is an easy pleasant ride. We should do more like this 🙂 Neil

Hi Neil, Thanks for the invite and that would be a great idea to join you all. A bike will be a must living in that area. We took a trip down East Haldon road as well and that is also very pretty, if you haven’t done that ride. I look forward to connecting in the coming year. Cheers, Greg